Benefits of Bladeless LASIK

LASIK laser vision correction surgery remains one of the most popular treatments for patients who suffer from refractive eye errors but are frustrated with the inconvenience and/or expense of glasses or contact lenses. LASIK works by using laser technology to gently and permanently reshape the corneal tissue so that the light that enters the eye is refracted correctly onto the retina and the message sent from it to the brain isn’t garbled. This enables us to have clear and concise vision at all distances without needing prescription eyewear.

Conventional LASIK still remains the most popular elective ocular surgery in the world, but this doesn’t mean that the technique hasn’t continued to evolve. Today, an increasing number of LASIK providers are now offering bladeless LASIK in addition to or instead of the conventional method.
 

What is bladeless LASIK?

Bladeless LASIK is a cutting-edge variety of LASIK treatment during which the flap that is integral to the technique is created using laser energy rather than the traditional microkeratome blades.

When you undergo a LASIK procedure, your surgeon will need to cut a small flap in the epithelium, which is the outer layer of tissue covering the cornea. The purpose of this flap is to access the underlying corneal tissue so that it can be reshaped with the laser. The flap is then replaced and left to heal, which only takes a few days. There is no need for stitches or any other assistance to support the natural healing process. Usually, this flap is made with very fine blades. However, in bladeless LASIK, every aspect of the treatment, including the flap creation, is performed using laser technology.  

The bladeless laser operates at extremely high speeds, enabling tissue to be targeted and divided at a molecular level without creating any heat or having a negative impact on the surrounding tissues. The bladeless laser can also create the incisions needed for the flap at a precise depth and diameter that has been pre-determined and pre-programmed by your LASIK surgeon.
 

What are the benefits of bladeless LASIK?

There are numerous benefits that are associated with bladeless LASIK that patients can enjoy if they choose this technique for their LASIK laser eye surgery.
They include:

• Creating a flap with superior precision and accuracy.

• Flaps that are thinner than is possible with microkeratome blades which allows your surgeon to correct higher levels of near-sightedness.

• Different shapes and sizes of flap can be created unique to the needs of the individual patient.

• The edges of the corneal flap can be structured so that they fit back into place better, improving healing time and recovery.

• There is a reduced risk of damage to the cornea after the surgery.

• Studies have shown that bladeless LASIK surgery results in fewer overall LASIK complications.

• Studies have also shown that bladeless LASIK may also produce a lower incidence of post-surgical dry eye syndrome - something which is very common in conventional LASIK procedures.  

If you are considering LASIK laser vision correction and would like to find out more about bladeless LASIK or if you’d like to schedule a consultation to discuss your candidacy for this procedure, please contact our offices today.